Both models get a bit of red in the grille and extra aero bodywork. (Photo: Subaru)

Ahead of the firewall, the 2.5-litre turbocharged boxer four-cylinder gets a modified air intake, beefier pistons, and a retuned ECU, while a high-flow performance exhaust system snakes its way to the back. The six-speed manual transmission boasts a short-throw shifter connecting to a revised third gear ratio. The result is stronger straight-line performance, although Subaru isn’t clarifying how much.

If you were wondering, RA stands for “Record Attempt”, a race-prepped WRX STI Type RA NBR Special having set a new lap record for a four-door sedan at the renowned 20.6-km (12.8-mile) Nürburgring Nordschleife racetrack, its record time being 6:57.5 minutes and its driver one very talented Kiwi named Richie Stanaway, best known for competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship (check the photo gallery and video below).

The 2018 Subaru WRX STI Type RA NBR Special set a new Nürburgring Nordschleife track record for a sedan at 6:57.5 minutes. (Photo: Subaru)

In comparison the 2018 BRZ tS is far from a Nürburgring record breaker, its STI upgrades designed to deliver “the highest level of ‘fun to drive’ and ‘pure handling delight’ through greater flexibility, better control, and stability,” said Subaru in a press release.

Starting from a car that’s already amazingly agile thanks to an extremely low centre of gravity and a well designed suspension setup, the new 2018 BRZ tS adds STI-tuned front and rear SACHS dampers and coil springs, plus flexible V-braces under the hood. What’s more, new chassis and sub-frame draw stiffeners improve steering responsiveness, the new lightweight 18-inch STI wheels on 215/40 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber (a BRZ first) no doubt doing likewise while also providing better adhesion and quicker turn-in. Stopping power is enhanced by a set of Brembo brakes.

The new BRZ tS is all about downforce and handling, not to mention style. (Photo: Subaru)

The BRZ tS gets an angrier look due to front, side and rear under-spoilers that also aid airflow for improved traction and stability, while an exclusive rear carbon fibre STI spoiler is manually adjustable for fine-tuning rear downforce.

Like the WRX STI Type RA, the new BRZ tS also gets Cherry Blossom Red accents around the grille and a special rear bumper cap, while the trunk lid just above shows off unique BRZ tS badging. Additionally, the front fog lights have been axed for STI fog light covers, while the side mirrors, roof-mounted shark fin antenna, and exterior badging are finished in black.